P-1 VISA

P-1A VISA

P-1B VISA

P-1A VISA for INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ATHLETES

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

TO QUALIFY FOR AN P-1A VISA, THE APPLICANT MUST BE:

An internationally recognized athlete coming to the United States temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance; and

Internationally recognized, and has the highest level of achievement, evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered so that the achievement is renowned, leading or well known in more than one country.

KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR P-1A VISA:

Team must be coming to the United States to participate in an athletic competition which has a distinguished reputation and which requires participation of an athletic team that has an international reputation; and

The team, as a unit, must have achieved international recognition in the sport; and

Members of team will not perform services separate and apart from the team.

P-1B VISA for MEMBERS OF INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

TO QUALIFY FOR AN P-1B VISA, THE APPLICANT MUST BE:

Must be member/s of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group coming to the United States temporarily to perform as a member of an entertainment group; and

That has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.

KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR P-1B VISA:

At least 75 percent of the members of group must have had a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least one year (with certain exceptions);

Entertainment group must be internationally recognized, having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered (please see exceptions and special provisions noted below); and

The reputation of the group, not the individual achievements or acclaim of its members, is essential.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR CERTAIN ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS

Circus performers and essential circus personnel are exempt from the one-year requirement and the internationally recognized requirement. The alien or aliens must be coming to join a nationally recognized circus.

Certain nationally known entertainment groups may have the internationally recognized requirement waived if they can establish that their group has been recognized nationally as outstanding in its discipline for a sustained amount of time in consideration of special circumstances.

HOW TO APPLY for P-1A Visa or P-1B Visa

In order to apply for P-1A Visa or P-1B Visa classifications, the petitioner must:

Complete the Form: I-129, Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker. Review the instructions for the Form I-129 and complete the Form I-129 and related Supplements.

Submit the Filing Fee(s): Include the appropriate filing fee with the Form I-129. Refer to Form I-129 instructions for further details.

Submit Evidence: Include all supporting documentation. Also submit a consultation from an appropriate labor organization describing the work or services to be performed in the United States and your qualifications for such work.

Submit a Duplicate Copy of the Form I-129 Include a duplicate copy of Form I-129 and all supporting documentation, even if you are filing the Form I-129 to seek a change of status (COS) or extension of stay (EOS).

Sign and File the Form I-129: File the petition at the correct filing location (USCIS Service Center, designated Lockbox or electronically, when e-filing is made available) according to form instructions.

A petitioner filing as an agent for both the beneficiary and multiple employers must establish that he/she is duly authorized to act as an agent.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLING FOR P-1A VISA or P-1B VISA

Once USCIS receives and processes the Form I-129 petition, you will receive:

A receipt notice for the Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, and

A written notice of decision

After the Form I-129 visa petition is approved, you can apply for a P-1A Visa or P-1B Visa.